Steve Zaillian is a happy man today, as he was nominated twice, for “Dragon Tattoo” as well as “Moneyball,” with Aaron Sorkin. And there is cause for concern that Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse” was omitted. It’s one thing for a Best Picture contender that is shot mostly outdoors not to get a nomination from the Art Directors Guild. But missing a writing nod–especially in a winnowed field–is an issue. Among the comedies, Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” and raunchy R-rated comedy “Bridesmaids” continue to show strength in the awards race.

Fact is the WGA nominees announced Thursday do not include many projects that were ineligible because they are not signatories to the WGA. This is the usual deal, and it’s unfortunate, because a range of low-budget indie and foreign-made films won’t get the extra attention they deserve. (Last year’s Oscar-winner for best picture and original screenplay, “The King’s Speech,” like many Weinstein Co. films, was not eligible either.) Thus each year the list of WGA nominees does not reflect the actual award field. We should note that with the exception of “Tintin” most animated writers are not represented by the WGA.

The 2012 WGA West awards show, yet again executive produced by Spike Jones, Jr., will be held on February 19, at the Hollywood Palladium. Guy Nicolucci (“Late Night with Conan O’Brien”) also returns as head writer of the WGAW’s West Coast awards show. The WGA EAst awards show will be held simultaneously at B.B. King Blues Club in New York City.